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THE 



LIFE 



AND 



S URP RISING EXPL 01 fS 



OF 



ilob Hoy Mueo°egor 



C3 O ' 



^5^-ITII A" 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



^^■^ -.«_,,*« -t- 



Of the Cele!>r?.ted 

m MACGMMG-OR. 



BY D. STEWART, iVL A. 



'The Eagle he fras lord above, 
Bat Rob was lord beloyj.' 

Wbrdsisortlu 



NEW^YORK : 
PRINTED FOR S. ^IV 
^nd'sold \Yholesale and Betai! tti Ir 
jee, EROAD^VAY. 



G. Cox, J.Vir 
18S1. 









Of 



LIFE 



OF 



Sob Roy Macgregor. 



THE, celebrated ROBERT MACGREGOR,or ROB 
ROY, was the second son of Donald Macgregor, of the 
family of Gleogyle, a lieutenant-colonel in the king's ser- 
vice. His mother vas a daughter o.f Campbell of Dunea- 
ves, who had two daughters aad two sons, John and Robert. 
Oar h«ro was denomhiated Rotf, a Celtic or Gaelic phrasCj 
significant of his ruddy complexion and colour of hair, and 
bestowed upon him as a distinctive appellation among his 
knidred 5 an ancient practice still retained in the HjghiandSj 
where names are bestowed frons the most trilling incidents, 
or personal defects, qualities, or appearance. 

Rob Uoi/^s faniiiy were very respectable in his clan.— 
His father was the friend and ally of ^the earl of Moray, 
whom he assisted with SOO Macgregors, In an expedition to 
the north, to quell an insurrection of the Macphersoris, 
For this service, the earl granted hi ra a lease of a farm, 
which stiil remains in the possession of the fan3i]y. Daring 
the minority of his chief, who was his nephew, he exercised 
all the rights and privileges of his superior, and was styledj 
• Tutor of the Macgregor.' 

The education which Rob Roy received, though not 
liberal, was deemed sufficient for the sphere of life wliich he 
v/as destined to occupy. In his early years, it would have 
required the penetration of a maa of accurate judgment to 
discover those indications of sagacity and prudence which 
afterwards distinguished him. He, however, evinced 
strong natural parts, and soon excelled all his compeers in 
the rude, though essentia', accomplishments of ihe age. He 
was active, bold, and possessed of great and uncommon 
bodily powers. In the use of the broad sword, few or 
none conid equal him. This superiorit}' did not merely 
result from superior skill, but is partly to be attributed to 
the astonishing power which he possessed in his arms. It 
was scarcely possible to wrench anything out of his hands j 
and he has been known to seize a deer by the horns, and 
hold him fast. His arms were long, ahnost to deformity': 
as when he stood erect, he could touch his garters under his 
knee with his fingers. 

But altljough liis frame was so singularly robust and mus 
cular, and bis disposition most daring and resolute, yet 



fe lilFS OE" B,OB aOT. 

his manners were complacent and his address insinuatrng. 
His facullies v/ere acutej his conclusions prompt^ and bis 
resolutions determined. Nothiag., even dariag his youth, 
could divert hiiij from his purpose; and vviien roused by 
ooDOsition, he became fieree and uncontroulabk. 

In his vouJhj he smdied the ancient history, and recited 
the imj)res3ive poetry of hi? coualry ; for tise Highlanders,- 
fvoxn file rerrsotest periodj haye been accustomed to re- 
count the exploits of their progenitors iis poerns and other 
traditionary legends ; and these wore eminently calculated 
to inspire sciitiraeats that cherished a warlike and enterprr- 
s-iiig spirit. 

Rob Eoi/ in Ida boyhood delighled in 'the rcvsrics of a ■ 
warm and roniantic inKigination ; ond it is said tliat i-e 
•would spend whole days in contemplating the subliiue and 
snlku grandeur of his native vvilds. 'The rugged moun- 
tains, whose summits were often bid in the cloud;^ that float- 
ed sroiHid theni; the dark valieyj eccircled by wood- 
ed eifiinences ; the bold n-nr.wyrAnrx. cr,v^mQd to the foam^ 
ing ocean, and soineU:.^ of a chief- 

tain | the f.tiil besom ,.: ;. - , . -o, ....;.- ......:.ed the sur- 
rounding landscape ; the i'-petuous mountaia cataract ; 
and-the^ireavy silencs of tl:e cavern, were objects that' 
preatlv influenced his joaihful feelings, and disposed his 
Fjind "to the eidtivatien of generous and raasly sentiments. 
These impressions, received when hia iaiagination glowed 
with the fervour of youtii. were never ailerv/ards eradica- 
ted. They continued to bias his itrnprr, and to give it a 
enstof romantic chiveiry, which he exemplified in raany 
. of his future actions.' 

•Kis parents v;ere of the presby;eri:'.n churcn, in v.ni;clr 
^,,;.j-, 5-,^ .,,;,5 ^Uj, reared. But, in vv.: liighlands, the doc- 
'^.' ■■ ;■ ■ [vc. had been received, not from a per- 

gij;,. ■,,,..: :\"' excellence, bin frcm modves sncre- 
Iv pohtical in the chl ' • rroni hab; is cf obedience in 

-the peonle. Rob B.oy .boreibre a strict presbyte- 

vian, but indulged a beliti in the superstidons of ins coun- 
try ladeed. it was scarcely possible tlsat an ardent youth, 
d--"eply tingeii with the melancholy which results from the 
sombre and gloomy aspect of Highland -cenery, should be 
able to resist the influence of a corr • re:igion.— 

Notwithstanding, therefore, J?o6Er,:: _ ^.h of nund, 

be was naturally led to credit the muades, the wnchcraft, 
and the second sight, which none of Ins countrymen Doubt- 
ed. Besides, the boldest of tmen are the most inchned, 
^when their occupations are dangerous and oncertajn, te 



LIFE OP KOB aOY *' 

believe in supernatural agency, to consult omenSj and to 
confide in charms, the certainty of prophecy, or the perfor- 
Bicuice of superstitious rises, 

Rob Roy being des".l;i;:d to foiiovv the quiet avocations 
of a rufiti life J took a tract of grazing land at Balqahaddar, 
and for some yedrs pursued a peaceable and inoflensive 
course. B.ir. iiis cattle were often stolen, in common with 
those of Ills aeighbours, by hordes of banditti from the 
shiires of iuvemess, Koss^ and Sutherland, who infested the 
country, inonler to prote;t himself from the provoking 
and ruinous depredations of these marauders, he was con- 
straiued to maintain a party of select men: and to this 
cause may be partly attributed tlie warlike habits which he 
afterwards acquired- 

The father of lioh Roy collected fees of protection from 
fihe people in his neighbourhood ; and, upon the old man^s 
d.iQiise, he pursued a similar course of life, augmented 
the nuaiber of hi* followers, and demanded the regular pay- 
Miut of black niajl. But thoug|) he was rigorous m the 
entu)cemeut of this ancient lax, he fulfilled his engageaients 
with uacommoo effect and determination ; and it v^as ia 
the pursuit and punishment of a daring gang of robbers? 
that he first dispiayi-(i his jesolution and courage. 

A considerable pail}' of.Macras, from the western coast 
of Ross, having commitfed an outrage on the property of 
Finiarig, aud carried off fifteen head of catiie, an express 
infi'rmed Rub Roy of the circumstance. Being the first 
call of the kind Ise had received since he had become the 
acknowledged protector of the vicinity, he instantly sumr- 
moned twelve of his men, and set off to overtake the plun- 
derers. During two days and a niglit, he travelled with- 
out intermission before he obtained any other information 
as to their U'ack, than at times seeing the impression of the 
catties feet on the ground. On the second night, being 
somewhat fatigued, he and his men la)' down on the heath- 
er, ill a dreary glen situated near the confines of Badnoch. 
But they had not rested long, when one of them discovered 
a fire at a little distance, -wliich had been hid by some thick 
coppice wood. This he coramunicated to his companions^ 
snd they went on to reconnoitrej when they found it was a 
band of jolly tinkers^ who were carousing near their tent. 
Their mirth, however, was turned into terror when they 
beheld Hob Roy and his party, as they little expected such 
an intrusion in so secluded a place. But they soon recog- 
nised Macgregor, who^ warlike and styiking appearanee 



I LIFE OF BOB aOSf. 

Dever failed to irnpreis Isis features on the memory of every 
beholder. . 

Tlje -tinkers very readik iatormed him that they had 
seen the Macra^s, who were at no great clistaace ; and two 
of the frateraity agreed to cciidiu-t kis party to the spotj 
for which they sef out; after harving partaken of such iare, 
as the Yv'allets"'of the gacg could afford. 

The freebooters had halted, for . the security oJ taeir 
spoil, in a narrow pari of the glen, ccufined by lofty, serai- 
circular rocks, vhere the Macgregors overtook them as 
they v/ere setting ouu and as liie moriting began to draw ou 
the lofty pinnacles of the ujouutains. Rob Roy, wiih a 
loud and terrific vcice, which resounded aoiong the cruggy 
acclivities, charged them to stop on their peril ; but us thej 
disregarded the order, he instantly rushed upon thera with 
such furv, that before they had tiras to rally-j six of their 
number were wounded and lay prostrate on the ground.-— 
Eleven wlio remained made u stout resistance ; but two 
beina; killed, aud five more wounded, they gave up | the 
contest. Four of Roh Roy's lads were severely wounded., 
ard one killed, and he himself received a cut oa his leiE 
arm iVom the captaiu of the baudilik The booty beu^g 
thus recoveredj was driven back and restored to tne right- 
ful oviTxer. ,. , . 1 • 

Roh Bmi received great praise for this exploit ; ants 
many nov/vokuitarily ofiersd to contributs their donation 
of black inalL This circunistance, bo doubt, tended ta 
arouse the latent activity aad courage ol lis mind. 

Dr Jamisoa thiak'j that this contnbivUoi^^, caded black 
maiLrmy be derived frora 5«ai/, signifying rent, and black 
fee derives from its illegality. Rowever, this tax had beea 
long suiiered to prevail in. the Highlands ; aad the custom 
of go many ages had confirmed the practice, so that it v.'as 
considered neither unjust nor dishonourable to enforce it. 
Tiv'ta^' was c-ually paidby theiahabitants of the Low« 
land boKiers, under -ororcise cf protection from the depre-^ 
datiens of marauding hordes, who attacked thtm from_ dif- 
ferent quarters, ^-'hese predatory.f-rays were sometimes 
dirested against hostile elans, but principally agaiust the 
frontier inhabitant?, who were considered a different race, 
and as such were held on the footing oi enemies. 1 he re- 
ceiver of ihe tribute undertook to keep the subscriber 
i . l-p.HbW.s o«'any loss to be sustained by the heritors, tenants, 
or inhabitams, through the stealing or taking aWay of cattle, 
• horses, or sheep ; and either to retxirn the cattle so stoie.a 
-.viihin sis Uionthsj or pav their talue.' The impost con - 



LIFii OF ROB KOY. Q 

sisted of moneyj meai or cattle, according to agreement. 

The exesutive government not only sanctionedj but even 
enforced the exaction of black mail, A carious order of 
the justices of peace for the county of Stirlaig^ dated 3d of 
February (17^8-9,.) is preserved in the stntlslical account 
of the parish of Strathblauc, vol XViil. i^SS. By this, 
several heritors and tenants in different p?aishes, who had 
agreed to pay this contribution to captaii'v JMacgregor, for 
the protection of their housos, f^oode. and geir, are en- 
joined to make payment to him \?ithout delay j and ail 
constables are commanded to see ' this order put into e^e- 
cution. as they shall ansv.'cr to the contrair.' 

Rob litre's exaction of this tax was not therefore an ua- 
ajiithorised robbery, but sanctioned by custom and local in- 
stitution. He was also for soms time employed in assis- 
ting the police of the diderent districts in collecting imposts 
that were paid for nigintaining tke *• Black \Yaich,^ a corps 
of provincial militia, whose duty it vs^as to protect the lives 
and property of the people from distant plunderers. Tlie 
independent companies of this corps, from the celebrity 
they acquired,, aftP' \> ai is ' i> <- ^ i^j- troops, and were 

the origin of the ga'.^'.t ,.~d i _ 1.1 foot, for a long 

time known by th-,"" rai v. o' J ,. '-'ii''' '" ^ Watcli. 

KobRoynow ] ii^ 'in nu 1 'al engagement with 
Marj a daughter oi Uv ^in^r who is represented 

tohave beena woi i ^ ;P n mper avid domestic 

habits, and active ^n ' i i'-. a. 1 t'''c inanagemsntof her 

family. But thou ^ vO z ea ]j, ^he took no part ia 

the predatory cone n '1 in^-- < ii 1. except on one oc- 
casion afterwards lo ue raenvionca, Itere it may be pro- 
per to remark, that the fair sex among the Highlanders 
were highly respec Led, and passionately praised in their na- 
tive melodies. , :-. 

Rob Roy was not possessed of any patrimonial estate, 
but lie became mastir of the estate of Craigcrostan in the 
following manner: — ' When Macgregor of^Macgregor was. 
driven from his. possession in Glenurrhy by the Campbells, 
he bought the lands of In vc!-'^'^ -; ' Craigcrostan, then 
of small value, alihsugh of c :c: boaiularies,extend-_ 

jng from the head of LochLG;;;i)Mu iv/e've miles along its 
eastern border, and stretching far into the interior of the 
country, and partly round the base of the stupendous 
mountain of Ben Lomond. On the demise of the chief in 
1693, he left his propertj to a natural brother, Archibald, 
vvhoM'as laird of Kilmannan. This person was succeeded 
by his son liugh. who courted a daughter of the laird of 



^_f) ws^jB oy ROB y.oY. 

Leav " but Roh Roy, from what cause is not known, rals^ 
id suspicion, against hi.« in the -nind of Uie young kdj, 
wiioin cnseqaenco rejected her lover, lie i.ien i'-'^ his 
adi'n-ssp- t-^ ■-> cicUi^hter oi" Coiquhoun oJ Luss, and their 
.^P,,.,- ■-'•-' w«s fixed, when Roh Roy again interlered, 
ani; ': , , . >„houa also refused to fulfil her engagement, 
-[\,iM. . >., „ r.>',.ii .reatu-.eHt, the joung chieftain went to 
j;'.-,,|,'v- vl.^ '-i' i.'" i!;-'i"ipci a woman of mean extractionj 
whu'hso<^sn>e:.^e.. ui.liiends, that ihey-ao longer regard- 
€d him as thear connexion : but /ivt* iioy, innv vexed to 
sec Mm discarded, altered his bei.iviour, and alterwards 
pasri inm much arifiVJun. " m }o... .. ..j< a^ -,/ -^ ^^^ 

mentwasso ihoroi-^'hiy iiisg'.: I ;■• " - ' - ' ' '" h' 
up ins estate to Ko& Kv^j/, > ' ■' ■ ^ 

never mure heard of, wnr w^-^ ii .".ir .,!:_-;„_. :.vu;ci >.o 
R.y gave value for the pro>ier.y, u. u ., vvasgnt.d to Imb 
H/«fterwards however took ll^e ti' la oi Uraigcrostan, and 
was sometimes denominated haron ui iuversuaU, a ter-a 
loua applied to puisne lajrds, all over Scotland. 

tt lii been abeady meniior.ed that Rob Koy had dechca- 
ted hi^ls^ if to the avocation of grazier 5 and as djghland 
caule ahout this time were in great request m r^ngianci, iie 
wss in the habit of making frequent jouvn.es lOr carrying. 

on this traffic. 

When Macgregor wa^ fairly settlea, and taeitiy con- 
sinned as laird of Craigcrostan, he was naturally elated 
With an acc5uisition that gave him some consequence m his 
eountrv. His friendship, from the peculiar circumstances 
of the times, became valuable, and was solicited by several 
of his weahhy neighbours. The political variance between 
the sreat families ©f Montrose and Argyle had degenerated 
into personal enmity ; which hiduced them to court the fa. 
vour of Kob Rov, whose iBdepeadem mind, personal prow- 
ess, and daring 'spirit, made him either a desirable auxihary 

or a formidable enemy. 

Montroie, m order to gain the contidence and secure ihc 
friendship of Maegregor, made a proposition to enter into a 
cLartnery with him io the trade of cattle-deaung a p an 
jp which he readily acquiesced; an^ bang considered a 
successful drover, the artful nobleman seemed to place great 
reliance on bis abilities. He accordingly advanced Rob 
Kc.y 1000 marks (about 50?. steriieg), who was also ei- 
pected to lay out asimilar sum, and the profits were to be 

A' 'AoA '' 

* The earl of Argyle also laboured to form an alliance with 
lob Hoy, hoping that, from his resolute bravery and locai 



LIFE OF ROB B.OY. li 

situationj he would be a source of constant annoyance to 
his enemy Montrose. Perhaps, also, Argyle lelt conscious 
of the cruelties and injsistice his ancestors had exercised 
over the clar , and was inclined to befriend their descendant, 
who seesTied determined to support the former consequence 
of his progenitors. Besides, he might suppose that Rob 
Roy had evjficed a (xuiciliator}' disposition by assuming the 
name of Campbell, that of Macgregor beinj; under proscrip- 
tion. His signature was *^ Robert Campbell.' But though 
Rob Roy had chosen this name in cc.T:phment to his mo- 
ther, and in compliance with the lav. , yet he was acknow- 
ledged in the country and by his clan under no other name 
than that of Macgregor; and (:eing deeply embued with 
hereditary antipathies, the wrongs which his ancestors had 
sustained rankled in his bo;:om, mid he spunied the over- 
tures of Argyle v.dth scorn rnd .indignation. 

Rob Roy, in his transaetions w':h the marquis of Mon- 
tross, was the active mans^'^er. Ale had carried them on 
with various success for ,:orae time ; but a Macdonald, an 
inferior partner, on one occa^ica v;-; ;. eritriisted with a large 
sum of money, v.'ish which .'i? -' ' •-.■;'p:-, T'.'- gre^.tiy 
deranged Rob Roy ^3 aJal!„, ■.',".■ •• .''.topay 

Montrose his n/oney, nor to SHj ' ^-..dii. Mon- 

trose acted witii u:-!c*>inmon sev.' v.p:,'3: he dis- 

solved tiie ;■ ' ' : ;y, and vyizic:'. .;j2> Kob Roy should* 
transfer hi;- : ; ■ -_ hi satisfaction nfthe claims he prefer- 
red. This ;: :; .\ :.::,•{]■ :n ■,■■■■>•■ th'i:il-' r':'::cted ;..nor could- the 
threats and RcA:-^:ii of Mcuv:.'-i)'s ir.tijr, Graham of Kil- 
Icarn, aUer his purpose. At length, a law-suit was entered 
against Rob Roy, and he was finally compelled to give up 
his lands in mortgage to Montrose, under condition t-hat 
they should again rcvei-r to himself \vhcn he could pay ths 
debt. 

Rob P.oy was extremely indignant at th^' ungenerous con- 
duct of Ivlontrose, who had made him responsible for the 
whole debts of the partnership, and was g'ieved to be com- 
pelled to deliver up a property which he had hopigd would 
give. respectability and stability to his family. IIo\veverj 
his mind was too strong to be uxakened by misfortune : he 
redoubled his exertions, and was soon able to tender the 
sam for which his estate was held. But now the meanp.ess 
of Montrose's conduct was apparent. He refused to deliver 
up Rob Roy's property^ pretending, that besides interest 
and other expenses, the amount had greatly increased, and 
that it would take time to make cut the statement. In this 



12 Lljril OF KOE ROT. 

equivocal mann^ the marquises factor endeavoured to evadte 
the lawful claims of an injured man. 

Just at this time the revolution took place, and produced 
great commotions in the Higlilands, where the natives weie 
well affected to the expelled house of Stewart 5 and many 
of the chieftains were arraying their followers to be In rea- 
diness for acting- in their cause. Argyle at fiyst attache I 
himself to the prince of Orange ; but not having been re- 
stored to ills property and jurisdictions since the attainder 
and judicial mufder of bis father, he was falterijig in his 
sentiments 5 andj aware that Rob Roy, in the event of a war, 
would be a valuable auxiliary, he renewed his entreaties to 
hiai, and warmly solicited his assistance. 

The suspicious Montrose soon discovered that a corres- 
pendeace had commenced between Macgregor dind Argyle j 
and, eager for the destruction of a famiiy that rivalled him 
in greatness, he vtTote a letter to Rob Hoy, in which he pro- 
mised, that if he would go to Edinborough, and give such 
Infornialion as would eoRvict Argj'le of treasonable prac- 
tices, he would not or:ly vitlidra^v the mortgage upon his 
prooerty, but is addition give hlra a large sum of money. 
Rob Roy received this infamous proposal with the lofty 
contempt and pr6ud sccrn of a .iMacgregor j and, without 
deigning to return an answer, forwarded it to Argyle, v/ho 
■«oon took occasion to confront Montl-ose '.vidi a charge of 
jmaievolence. 5?«ut Rob Roy suffered severely for this noble 
act, as Montrose in revenge procured an adjudication of his 
estate, and it v/as evicted for a sum very inadequate to its 
value. 

During this tiansaction, Rob Hoy was in England upon 
business, and the expulsioa of his family, was conducted, by 
Graham of Iviilearr!, lUider cii-caaistances of the uiniost in- 
dignity and bnrbaviiy. This man, in order to gratify the 
malice of his master, treated Mrs, Macgregor with the wan- 
tonness and cruelty of a savage. Yv^ell might the ingpnious 
writer, who has lately drawn her character with such gian- 
deur of aspect, make her exclaim to the cn:,nnjander of the 
king's troops, ^lara no stranger to your tender mercies. Ye 
have left me neither name nor fame; »ny mother's bones 
will shrink aside in their grave when mine are laid beside 
thein. Ye have left me and mine neither house aor iiold, 
])lanket nor bedding, cattle to feed us, or flocks to cloih^i us. 
Y^e have taken from us all— all — the very name of our an- 
cestors have ye taken away, and now ye come for our lives.' 

When Macgregor returned, and beheld his destitute and 
oppressed family, his soul was filled wiih rage,, and he d «- 



LIFE OF ROB ROY. IS 

termraed io take araple reveage on the authors of his mis- 
fortunes. His iit^l act of hostility against Mojiircse was at 
a term when he knew the tenantry of ihat nobleman r/ere 
to pay their rents ; ',vhen he and his men called upon ihem, 
and obliged tiiero *.o give hira the money, for which, how- 
ever, he granted ti^em acknor/ledgmentSj * that it was re- 
ceived on account of J^Iontrose,' 

In this compalsery matiner he levied the rents from the 
tenants for several years ; and Montrose, conscious per- 
haps that he had taken undue advant.^ge of Rob Roy, seem- 
ed to overlook the matter un.til a subsequent occasion, when 
the factor was collecting his rents at Chapeliaroch in Stir- 
lingshire. 

■Roy Roy had given out some d;;ys before, by proclama- 
tion at the ciiorch door, that he had gore to Ireland j and 
the facior consequently concluded that he woulfi mset with 
no interruption in his duty. To vards evening, however, 
Roy Roy placed his men ii' a woo.! in the neighbourhood, 
and went himself, with his piper ph'vinx before him, to the 
ion of Chapeliaroch, where Killeam vvas ai'ecder- j as a mat- 
ter of coraplimerit:, by sever:sl geutlemen of the vicinity. — 
Alarmed at the sound of the pipes, they all started up to 
diicover from '^rhe.uce i; proceeded j and Xiilearn, la gieat 
constei nation, beiieid Fob F.oy appraaching the door. 

He had liiusited hi;3 coii*:7'ction, b;'t ihe bags containing 
the money v.ere hasti'y thrown for coiic»::Hiiri£nt on a loft in 
the room, il.ob R07 entered with the usual s-'Jutatlcn, and 
the factor, though ne trembled for h'.s r^ouey, at fiist had 
no suspicion of bis final purpose^ as he liii dova Lis sword, 
and partook of the entertririinent, ^Idvh was no sooner 
OTs^r, than he desired his piper to str.xe up a tune. This 
was a sigaal to his men, who in a few minutes surroui.ded 
the bouse, snd siix -of them entered the roo.-n vi'Ith drawn 
swords, whea Keb Roy laying hold of hi? own, as j" about 
to go away, asked the factor, ^ Kow he had come on with 
his collection.' ^ I have got no'hing/ saia K»)iearn, ' I 
^ave not yet begun to collect.' ' No, no, chemberlai.;,' re- 
plied Rob Roy, ' your falseho6d will not do \y?th me, I must 
CQUTil fairly with you by the book.' R'^aistaace beiag use- 
less^ the bock waii exhibited, ruid accordiiig to it the money 
was given up, fax which Rob Roy gTant^t'J a receipt. 

But, from the infaniCiJj'i h-eatnj<':;nt bis family received from 
KUlearn., together with the ua»thehad ;?cted int^:.. infringe-. 
mCEt of the contract that '^i^'-ived him of hi; pr'openy, 
Keb Roj was resolved Ja p'' x^^ ^"^^j ^^^^ he had him it»- 



14 LIFE OF ROB HOY. 

mediately conveyed aiad placed in an island near the east 
end of Loch Ketturin^ now rendered conspicuous as she 
supposed residence of die fair Ellen, the Ladi/ of the Lake^ 

, ^ — _™„™__the shore around ; 

'Twas all so close with eopse-wood boundj 
Nor track nor pathway njight declare 
That human foot frequented there, — 
Here for retreat^, in dangerous hour, 
;.!■ Some cliief had framed a rustic bower.' 

Ill this island was Killearn confined for a considerable 
.time, and, vvh«n set at libesiv. received a prudent adaioni- 
tion respecting hiis future conduct. 

Rob Roy v/Jis aisvays the friend and protector of the weak 
and oppressed. lie had experienced the bitterne.'ss of fraud 
and tyranny ; he had long refiecied upon the injustice and 
cruelties suffered by his kindred ; and his sword was rea- 
dilv drawn in the cause of humanity. 

The civil discord which had prevailed in the nation, dui" 
ing the- atrocious reign of Charles the second, became still 
more di^eadful on the accession of his brother James, whose 
bigotry permitted the raost odious crimes, and authorised 
such oppression and cruelty as the mind shudders to con- 
template. In such scenes of horror Rob Roy had often 
been present, not as a nerpehstor, but a silent spectator, 
whose soul burned wilh uid;j;a;!t;on at their wickedness, re- 
• gretting, that although his arm Vr^as jtowerlui, it was not 
sufficiently vigorous to crush the whole Siand of iahunian 
wretches v/ho implicitl}' executed the bloody commands of 
the king. After he had been expelled from his estate, he 
went to Carlisle^ in order to recover a siun of money due 
to him. Retnrning by Moffat, he observed an officer and 
«, party of military engaged in hangin.^- ou a tree, four pea- 
sants, whom tiiey called faivuji". Wbi] • this exeeuiion was 
gohigon, a yofmgwo., t to the sanre tree, 

bev/tdled the fate of . _ :.. . . .. i : .'.her, two of those 

vt'ho suffered. The deadly work being comjjieted, four of 
the soldiers ssised the young wonian, unloosed her from the 
tree, a-ad having tied her hands end ivtt, were carrying her 
towards the river, to plunge h<".~ ii) th«i llcod, regardless of 
her tears aud entreaties for im^j'. v. Our beru interposed, 
his heart being vv'ruog with symp;.uby, and amazed at such 
crueltj'', commanded the perpeirMors to step, demanding an 
explanation, ^ why they trea'T'd a helpless female in so bar- 
barous a manner.' The otScer, vvitli an arrogasit tone, 
'^desired hi.in to be goiJCj o/^herwise he vi-oidd be used in the 



LIFE OV KOB EOY. 1^ 

same manner, for daring to interrupt the king's iastruc- 
tions.' The miscreants, basely exulting in their barbarity, 
were about to toss the girl into the stream over a steep bank. 
Eob Roy, thHs derided, became frantic with rage^ and with 
herculean strength sprung upon the soldiers, and in an in- 
stant eight of them were struggling in the water. 

The officer and the remaining ten rnen were so much 
confounded, that they stood morionless. In this pause Rob 
Roy cut the cords that bound the girl, and drawing bis clay- 
more, attacked the officer, vvho speedily fell. The soldiers 
beset him on all sides; but having killed two of them, the 
rest fled to the town, and left him master of tlw field,-to the 
unspeakable joy of the young woman, aud the great delight 
of the peasantry who stood around. 

Leaving the field of action, where he had achieved a vie« 
tory greater than a hundred of those gained over the weak 
and oppressed, he hurried kom,e, lest the enraged military 
should overtake him ; but when he arrived at his residence, 
he found his family goae, and all his flattering prospects iir 
iife ruined, as has been before detailed. 
if Rob Roy now devoted himself to military pursuits. He 
selected a bodj^ of men no less resolute than himself, and 
keen to enter on any exploit, however hazardous, that pro- 
raised them redress. These bold and daring Macgregoi'S 
formed a bond of union which no privation could tear asun- 
der, nor contention overcome ; while the masterly regula- 
tions and superior discipline of Rob Roy rendered them the 
terror of surrounding countries. The wrongs of their claa 
were rautually recited, and the determination of taking a 
proper revenge v/as reaewed. Again, the warlike music of 
the pipes animated their spirits, and inspired them with a 
courage nearly irresistible. 

The government at ttiis period watched the motions of 
tlie Highland chieftains with a jealous eye, who were oblig- 
ed to comrriunicate their sentiments respecting the exiled 
house of Stewart in die most secret and clandestine man- 
ner. However, a great meeting of chieftains took place in 
Breadalbiruie, under pretence of hunting the deer, but in re- 
ality for the purpose of ascertaining; the sentiments of each 
other, relative to the propriety of farther operations after 
the unsuccessful attempt at Killicrankie. Opinions were 
unanimous, and a bond of faitli and mutual support was 
signed. By the negligence of a chieftain to whom this bond 
was enausted, it fell into the hands of captain William 
Campbell of Glenlyon, then at Fort William, who, fr©m 
feis connexion with man/ whos;^ a^mes were appended, di4 
c 



l6 illPE OP ROB ROT. 

not immediately disclose the contents ; but from the de- 
served odium which was attached to that person, from hav- 
ing a command in the party who perpetrated the infamous 
raassacre at Glencoe, he was justly despised and execrated 
even by his nearest friends; asid when it was known that 
a man of such inhunsan feelings lield this bond, those who 
^gned it were seriously alarmed, and various plans were 
suggested for recovering it. Rob Roy, who was at this 
meeting of the clans, had also affixed his name 5 but on his 
«)wn account he was indifferent, as he regarded neither the 
king nor his government. He was, Ijowever, urged by se- 
veral chiefs to exert himself, and if possible to recover the 
bond. With tisis >'iew he went to lort William in disguise,- 
not with his usual number of attendants, and getting access 
to captain Cairipbell, who was a near relation of his own, 
be discovered that, out of revenge for the contemptuous 
manner in which the chieftains now treated the captain, he 
had put the bond into the possession of the governor of the 
garrison, who was resolved to forward it to the privy coun- 
cil ; and Rob Roy, learning by accident the day on which 
St was to be sent, took his leave and went hoine. The des-> 
patsh which contained the bond was made ap by governor 
Hill, and' sent from Fort W^illian), escorted by an ensign's 
eommahd, which in those countries always accompanied the 
rncssages of government. On the third day's march, Rob 
Eoy and fifty of his men met this party in Glendochart, and 
ordering them to halt, demanded their despatches. The 
clTicer refused ; but was told that he mast ejtiier give their 
lives and the despatches together, or tlie despatches alone. 
The ferocious looks and appearance of his antagonist be- 
spoke no irresolution. The packet was given up; and 
Rob Roy having taken out the bond he wanted, begged the 
officer would excuse the delay he had occasioned, and wish- 
ing him a good journey, left the jnilitazy to proceed unmo- 
lested. By this bold exploit many chieftaisis saved their 
heads, and the forfeiture of a number of estates was pre- 
veitted, 

The spirit of clanshipj the dignity assumed by great 
ehieftains, and the profound submission of their vassals, 
often produced the most iniquitous actions, as i!he inferior 
and unprotected lairds were robbed of their pryperty by 
their more powerfi^i neighbours. The most fvivolci-s asid 
invjust pretences were often considered sutlkient to deprive 
-,; m&r. of liis right. Against such acts of violence^ though 
(Overlooked by the indifference of government, Rob Roy 
|Via<-'"gi"eg"or manudly and openly drew his sword. He was- 



LIFE OF ROB ROY. if 

the Strenuous opponent of eveiycleed of cruelty, or breacS? 
of faith, especially if committed upon those under the pres- 
sure of misfortune ; the orphan, the widow, the poor, were 
those for whom he stood boldly forward, and proclaimed 
himself the champion 5 and to supply their wants with 
the means of the rich, was his greatest deligiit 5 and an 
appea.1 to his generosity was never disregarded. Lest his 
own resources might not be adequate to those charitable 
ends, he entered into ageeement with different proprietors 
for their mutual defence ; and a contract, founded upon 
this reciprocal basis, was entered into between him and 
Buchanan of Arnprior, and Avith the Campbells of Louch- 
sieii, Glenfalloch, Lochdoch.art, and GlenJyon, about the 
same time. 

On the estate of Perth, a clansman of Rob Roy's occu- 
pied a farm on a regular lease ; but the factor, Drummond 
of Blairdrummond, took occasion to break it, and the ten- 
ant was ordered to remove. Rob Roy hearing the story, 
went to Drummond castle to claim redress 'if this grievance. 
Ou his arrival there, early in the morning, the first person 
he met was Blairdrummond, in front of the house, whom 
be knocked down, without speaking a word, and walked on 
to the gate. Perth, who saw this from a window, imme- 
diately appeared, and, to soften his asperity, gave him a 
cordial welcome. He told Perth he wanted no shew of 
licspitality ; he insisted only to get hack the tack of which 
his namesake had been deprived, otherwise he would let 
loose his legions, on his property. Perth was obliged to 
©omply, the lease was restored, and Rob Roy sat dowa 
ciuietly and breakfasted with the earl. 

Graham of Kiliearn, who was the chamberlain or fac- 
tor on the estate of Blontrose, was second cousin to that 
nobleman, and let't no means untried to recover the rents 
of his iiord, in which he often displa^/ed great want of hu- 
manity and fellow-feeling. Being in the constant " prac- 
tice ol distressing those tenants who were in arrear, he was 
consequently despised in the country. He had once se- 
questrated the goods and cattle of a poor widow for arrears 
of rent 5 and when Rob Roy heard of the matter, he went 
to her, and gave her 300 merks she owed, at the same time 
desiring her when she paid it to get a receipt. On the le- 
gal day, the officers of the law appeared at the widow's 
.house to take away her effects, when she paid their de- 
mand ; S)ut Rob Roy met them after they left her, made 
them surrender the money they had extorted, and gave theiji 



IS %WE OP ROB EOT. 

a good clrubbuigj with an advice never to aet in the same 
juanuer. 

■ tinder similar circumstances he relieved a needy tenant 
©u the sameestate/wbo was deficient in the rent of three 
years. When the man afterwards offered to repay the 
loan, our hero would not receive it as he said he had got it 
tacli frora Killearn. 

Sometimes the rich and powerful chieftain procured a 
mortgage bond upon the property of his needy aeighbour ; 
and this was very generally converted into an authority to 
■ seize their lands by force. 

The lands of Glengyle were under a redeemable bond 
®f this description/.w-hen Rob Roy's nephew succeeded to 
them. A neighbouring chieftain had lent a sum of money 
on themj which if not repaid in ten yeai-s, the lands were 
to be the forfeiture, though the sum was not half their value. 
Rob Roy, knowing that every advantage would be taken of 
the contract, gave his nephesv the n5oney for the purpose of 
retrieving the^bend. The period of redemption had only a 
few months to run t, and under pretence that the bond 
€Oixld not be found, the money was refused. Rob Roy, 
ja the mean time, having been otherwise eng-aged the mat- 
ter lay over, and the bond was allowed to expire. The 
lioider of it sent a party to take possession of the lands 
in his name, got himself infefted iu the common form ; and 
young Macgregor was ordered to remove himselu his de- 
pendants, aad cattle, in eight days. Rob Roy could not 
.suffer such treatment ; and having assejnbled his gillies, 
set out to obtain restitution. The chieftain whom he saught 
was then in Argyleshire, v/hither our hero proceeded ; bus 
he met him travelling in Strathtillan, took him prisoner, 
and carried-'him to a small mn act far distant. He told the 
chieftain, that be would not allow him^ to depart until he 
gave up the bond of Glengyie, and desired that he would 
fnstantly send for it to his castle. The chl'^ftain, aware of 
Rob Roj^'s disposition, and apprehensive c.i" j ersonal inju- 
ry, agreed to give it up when he got hom< ; but our hero 
put no trust in his promise, and he v/as forced to comply. 
Tvro trusty aieoj along with two of Rob Kiy's ffere dis- 
patched, and at the end of two days returned with the 
bond. When it was delivered tlie chieftain demanded his 
money 5 but Rob Roy would pay none, idling him, that 
the sum was even too small a line for the outrage he had- 
attempted, and that he might.be thankful if he escaped iii 
a sound skin. 

Jt waS^ the, object of government to eonciiiate the power- 



' LffflS OF ROB ROTi ^^ 

fal Highland barons, and to wink at their oppressions and 
robberies ; and a kuiglit bt'longiiig to the Argyle family 
was employed to examine the litle by which iiiierior lairds 
held their lands, and if he judged them defective, to Ennes 
their property to some great favourite. Kob Roy cynsid- 
ered this also as contrary to justice, and was- determined to 
redress the grievance. lie therefore sent his men lo Gien- 
urchy, to wa^day the obnoxious knight, at a deiile which 
wound along the craggy clifi's of Ben-Cruachan. After 
waJtJng for some time, tiiey readily effected their purposes 
secured the baronet, and conveyed him towards Tyndniir*, 
where Rob Roy met thera. He reproached the iinight 
with his injustice, aud made him sign, a letter, restoring 
the lands to the right owner ; and when he had done this, 
he took him to .-St. Fiilan's pool, near tliat place, and 
ducking him heartily, told him, that from the established 
virtues of tliat pool, a dip iu it might improve the knight's 
honourj so that he would not again rob a poor man of his lands. 

A contest having arisesi betvv'eea the houses of Perth and 
Athol, Rob Roy accepted an invitation to join the former ; 
and having assembled sistj/" chosen men of his clan, he 
marched to Drummoad j:as{le, with seven pipers playing. 
The Ath-olmen were standing in proud array on the banks 
of the Earn/»vhen the Maogregors and the Drummonds pro - 
ceeded to attack theai ; but they no sooner recognised Kob 
Roy and his Macgregors,whom theja'Cgarded as irresistible 
dea)ons, than they lied from the field, and after the loss of 
several men, were pursued to the precincts of their oV/n 
country/' 

Rob Koy continued his depredations upon his cruel ene- 
my, Montrose, and his dependents 5 bat he always declin- 
ed takiiig any personal revenge, though he had frequent 
opportunities of doing so. He, however, sometimes march- 
ed towa-rds that nobleman's house, and drove the cattle 
from the surrounding parks ; and as Rob Roy grew little 
corn, he usually supplied hh wants from a meal store kept 
by Montrose at Moulin. Indeedj whenever he found a 
poor family in want, he went to the stoi-e-keeper, ordered 
tliequaritity be required, gave a receipt for it, aud made 
the tenants carry it with their own horses to the place 
where it wtis wanted. 

At last tlie predatory incursions of our hero induced 
Montrose to apply to the privy council for protection ; 
but dreading the enmity of Rob Roy, his name was inten« 
tionally kept out of the act, which was expressed iu gene- 
ral term?,--~« to repress soruers, rohberS; and broken men. 



sO BIFE OF EOB SOY, 

to raise hue aad cry after thern^ to recover the goods iitoiea 
by thesTi, and to seize their persons/ 

This decreej however, thougii despised by Rob Roy, 
made liim more watchful of his foes. But though gene- 
rally favoured by fortunate incidents j he could not alwa^^s 
expect to escape v.'Ilh impuuity ; and having by many 
coercive means pressed hard oiiMontrose, that nobleman, 
under authority of the act of eovraciij, called out a number 
of !)is people, and sent them, headed by a confidennal 
GraljasO; and accompanied by some militaryj to lay bold 
ofRobEoyj but hv*; chanced to be absent with his band, 
when the Crrahams assailed his house during the night.- — 
Having learned the course he had taken^ they arrived by 
dajr-bA'eak next morning at Crinlarachj a public house in 
StrathliliaD, where our hero and his men had taken up 
their quarters for the night — -he in the house, and they in 
an adjoining barn. The Grahams immediately broke 
open I he door. Rob Hoy was Instantly accoutred to meet 
ihesn, and levelled them man by man as they approached, 
until his own lads, roused by the noise attacked the Gra- 
hams in the rear with such determination, that they retreat- 
ed to some distaacej leaving behind them several of their 
party sorely wounded 5 and Rob Roy having fortified __his 
men with a glass of whisky, ascended the hill towards the- 
liead of Loch Lomond. The Grahams, expecting still to 
gain some advantages over them, follov^ed at a short dis- 
tance, till the Macgregors shot some of the military, and 
drowned one soldier in a raill-damj when the Grahams 
jhought proper to withdraw. 

Rob Roy having thus defeated his enemies with one fifth 
of their number of men, grew, if possible, still more adven- 
turous ', while Montrose, as if in despair, ceased to obstruct 
liim. At length, our hero made a descent into the plain^ 
and sweeped away cattle, and almost every rnoveabie ar- 
ticle, from tlie country round Balfron, and in Montfiith ; an 
outrage comroon]_y called the JierrisMp ofKippen. On this 
occasion, he was pursued b}^ some countr}- people who 
where sufferers, assisted by a party of military from Ca- 
dross castle, who would have overtaken him j but one of 
Ins men,. .4 Mister Ro};' Macgregor, fired on the pursuers 
from behind a dyke, and killed the foremost, which so in- 
timidated the rest, that they not only dreaded proQceding 
farther, hut made the best of their way home. 

This daring misdemeanour seriously attracted the atten- 
*/:on of government; and the western voluntsers were 
.warched into the Highlands to curb his insolence, and tha* 



T-'tFE OF ROB ROYo 21 

of his.- marauding chm, as tliev were denominated. These 
volunteers \vi--nt to iJrymea; but fuii.ang iheir entertaiil" 
raent very bati, anci tsie people mucii (iiaalTected,, they 'ay 
upon iheir arms all nightj dreading liis anprouch <)f the 
Macgregors, who were witiiln a few miles of t.hera, lo tiie 
numbCij as they heardj of 50© ; but they were not mo- 
lested, being allowed to depart in peace. Several parties 
of borsEj however, were afterwards dispersed over t'ne 
country to apprehend Rob Roy 5 and a reward of 1000/, 
beir)g offeree for his itead, he was obliged for some months 
to take shelter in the tvoods, and ia his cave at the base of 
Ben Lomond, on t!ie banks of the lake. 

This celebrated recess had formerly sheltered the gallant 
Bruce from enemies who sought his distruction 5 and our 
■ hero, Vi'ith the ' igiiest veneration for the memory of a pa- 
triot king, believed that he could not consecrate to himself 
a more appropriate retreat. The entrance is near the 
water's age, auong huge fragraeiils of rock, broken from 
the lofty mountain crags that g^'em to tiverhang the lake, 
which are fantastically diversified i)y the interspersion of 
brushwood, heath, and wild plants, nurtured to extreme 
growth in the desert lasariance of solitude. The access to 
tiiis subterraneous abode is extremely difficult and bay^ard- 
ous, from the precipitous ruggedness of the surrounding 
heights, which almost exclude 3 passage to human feet. 

in this seclusion Eob Roy was perfectly secure ; and. 
had be been attacked ia it,, could have defended himseil 
4Voin alsnost auy number of men ; but he frequently left it, 
and tooJi excursions to distant parts of the country to see 
his friends and enjoy their fellowship, "• -.' 

IVhile under tiiis carjcealoi'.'nt, h?. was only attended by 
two men. One da}', when ti-iyelling in a sequestered 
place along the side of Loch-'arn, the}'- were unexpectedly 
met by seven horsemen, who demanded thei-r names and 
what they were, to whicli an evasive answer v/as given ; 
but from oar hero's great stature aad warlike appearance, 
they had no daubt of his beir.g the person they soajrht. 
There was no time for reply, and they sprung up the hill, 
followed by the troopers. Bob Boy rapidly gained the 
higher ground, wirere neiti)er the horse nor lire of the 
riders could touch liim ; but his companions were not so 
lucky, as they were overtaken, and, in defending them- 
selves, where killed. Being exasp«ratcd at this, he fired 
upon the troopers in return, and kdlcd three of them and 
four of their horses, wlsen the remainder galloped away. 
, Having continued to wander frotu place to pl/tcCp some- 



22 LIFE OF ilOU ROV. 

what forlorn, tliough not broken in spiiit, he became so'ici- 
toiis about the snfet}' of his family, and went to see them 
privaieiy; Some days before his arrival, a rv'"^--~" t'lOm 
the duke of Alhoi was sent to his house iii. ' visit 

from him at Biair castle, But Rob Roy, ihou-u uo be- 
lieved that Athoi had then no deadly enmity towards 
him, did not incline to trust himself in such hands without 
son-je written assurance of his personal safety. Ke there- 
fore wrote to Athol, M/ishing to iiave his commands, and 
caadidly staled ids' want of confidence .in his grace. — 
Athol, who had previously corresponded with the court 
regarded the^'most effectual nlau of securing our hero, im- 
mediately replied to his letter, and gave him the most so- 
lemn promises of protection, saying that he only wanted to 
have some conversation on certain political n-ciats. This 
letter was followed by an embassy, who gav;? eveii more 
positive assurances that no evil was intended, and deliver- 
ed to him a protection from the government, tvhen our he- 
ro consented, and tixed a day for being at Blair. He ac- 
cordingly set out on horseback, attended by a servant, and 
on his arrival, Athoi ran to embrace him, protesting he 
knew not how to express the joy lie felt at the sight of so 
brave a geiitlomevi ; lurr, as his duchess would not suffer 
any person to cufcr th-p caslle armed, he requested him to 
lay aside his sword and dirk, which he did, and they walk- 
ed into the garden, vrhere they" met the ladj'', who express- 
ed her surprise at seeing Rob Roy unarmed. This re- 
mark having given the lie to her husband Rob Roy now 
felt he had done wrong in parting v/ith his arms, and he 
gave Athol a look that perfectly declared his feelings. — ' I • 
understand 3'ou, Macgregor,' said he ; 'but you have com- 
mitted so much miscitief, that you must be detained, and 
sent to Edinburgh.' ' 1 am betrayed then !' said Rob Roy j 
' has a man<if your quality such a mean rascally spirit, 
as to forfeit his word, his faith, his honour, for a pitiful re- 
ward ?' and clenching his fotin his face, continued, ' Vil- 
lain ! j^ou shall repent this.' He would have knocked 
him do¥/n, but the garden door instantly opened, when an 
officer with sixty men entered, and made Rob Roy a 
prisoner. 

Athol was excessively vain of the disgrMceful concjuest 
he had effecied ; and after placing our hero in safe custo- 
dy, he dispatched an express to Edinburgh, to inform the 
court and his friends of the prowess he had displayed in 
laying hold of ' the desperate outlaw and daring robber,' 
Another messenger was at the same time sent to the secre- 



MFE OF ROB JLOr. 23 

tary of state at London, with a detail of bis wojiderful ex 
plo'u 5 and the news spread rapidly throughout Scot- 
land. 

A strong party of military was sent by the commander 
'm ckief to escort Rob Roy to the capital. Theyjialted at 
Kinross, where they were to receive him from another par- 
ty sent by the governor of Perth. But Athol, desirous 
that no one should share the merit and profit of his exer- 
tions, dismissed the soldiery, being determined to es- 
cort the prisoner by his own vassals 5 and until they 
could be collected and equipped, our hero ^ras detained at 
Logierait under a strong guard. 

During these operations, Rob Roy was not idle. He 
appeared cheerful and resigired, and concdiated the good 
offices of his attendants, by profuse liiiations of whiskey ; 
and as be was considered a very geusrous gentleman, he 
was allowed more than an ordinary freedom. Having 
written a letter to his wife, bis servant, who had previously 
received his JiistnicticDs, Y/a.s ordered to get his horse in 
readiness to go ofFv/ith it ; and the animal being brought 
from the stable, Rob Rcy-, under pretence of delivering a 
private !': '■■■i-. ;!> the serraut, was allowed to walk to 
the door . li; a sentinel, while the others, nearly in- 

ebriated, had iio suspicion of his design, Appearii.'g in se- 
rious conveisatioQ with the servant, be walked a few steps 
froni the door, till getting close to his horse, he quickly 
leaped ifsto the saddle, and was out of sight in a 
moment. 

The mortification of Athol, after all his bravadoes, at 
our hero's escape, was \exy great % and he determined, 
either by force or stratagem to take him and regain the 
character he had lost. The government also resolved 
to arrest his career, and for this purpose dispatched a 
body of horseman, who incessantl}'^ parsucil him 5 but 
at length, despairing of success and ashajjied of their 
vain opposition, they received orders to return. 

Rob Roy, though relieved from the harrasing attempts 
of the militarj', had still to guard against his inveterate 
enemy, Atliol, who had so basely treated him, and whose 
machinations were even more alaindxig than the denunci» 
ations of the law. However, conformably to the boldness 
of his charoiter. he hurled defiance at the duke, by rava- 
ging the district of Athol, and carrying away cattle, while 
every man who attempted resistance was put to the 
sword. 

But notwithstanding all the caution of our hero, he had 



24 LIFE OF ROB ROC. 

again nearl}' fallen into his eueniies' hands ; for the duke 
having sent a party of horse, th€j unexpectedly came upon 
him, aiul seized him in his own iiouse of Moiiiichahuarach 
in Balquhidder. He was placed on horseback, to be con- 
veyed to Stirling castle ; but on going down a steep defile, 
he leaped offj and ran up a wooded hill, where the horse- 
men could not follow, Athoi on another occasion, sent 
twenty nmen from Glenalmor/d, lo lay isoid <jf,him. He 
saw them approaching ; but did not shun them, though 
alone, ilis uncommon size, the largeness of his limbs, the 
fierceness of his countenance, and the posture of defence 
in which he placed hintiself, intimidated them so much, 
that thej" dared not go near him, He told thera, that ' he 
knew whst they wanted^ but if they did not depart, none 
of them should return.' lie desired them to 'tell their 
master, that if he sent any more of his pigm}'' race to dis- 
turb him, be would hang them up to feed the eagles ; ' and 
having sound hie horn, for he often carried one, Athoi's 
men became alarmed, and speedily took their If ave. 

About ibis time Rob Roy's fairdly lived at a farm neyr 
the head of Loch Ketturin ; and on one occasion, his ene- 
my, the factor of Montrose, hearing of his being at home, 
assembled a multitude of the tenantry, in order to take 
him by surprise. They accordiHgly proceeded, with Kil- 
iearn at their head, and surrounded our hero's house in 
the morning before he v/as out of bed ; but he speedily 
appeared, sword in hand when they fled with the utmost 
precipitation. 

At Balquhidder t'.ie Maclarens occupied a farm to which 
Rob Roy's family claimed a right, and which he took pos- 
session of by force. The Maclarens being unable to cope with 
him, applied for assistance to tlieir relations, the Stewarts 
of Appia, who assembled in great force to expel our hero. 
Tiie parti??- came in siglit of each other near the Kirkton 
of Balquhiddar, After a pause, which rnen naturally 
make bdbre they assail their iViends and kinsmen, Rob 
Roy stepped forward, and challenged any of his opponents 
to light with the broad sword. This was accepted by 
Stewart of lavernahyle. When they had fought for some 
time, a parley was demanded, "and terms of accommodation 
being agreed to, {key separated without bloodshed. 

At this time a debt, to a pretty large amount which our 
hero had long owed to a person in the Lowlands, could 
not be recovered, because no one would undertake to exe- 
cute diligence against him. At length a messenger at 
Edinburgh appeared^ who pledged himself, that with sis 



L!PE OF ROB KOY. 23^ 

men, he vv'ould go through the whole Highlands, and ap- 
prehend Rob Roy, or any raaa oi'his name. The fellow 
was stout and resoiiite, lie was oifered :i handsome sura, 
if he would bring KobRoy to the jail of Stirling, and was 
allowed men of his own ciioice. He accorclingiy equipped 
bims'-elf and h\s nrjn \vith swords, cudgels, and every thing 
fitted for the expedition ; and havihg arrived at the onh'' 
public house tiien :n BalquhiJder, he inqiiired die way to 
his hi0use„ This party v,'ere at once known to be stran- 
gers, and the landlord learning their business, seat notice 
of it to his good friend Rob Roy, and also advised them 
not to go farther, lest they should have reason to repent 
of their folly ; but the advice vi'as disregarded, and they 
went forward. The party waited at soiiie distance from 
the house, and the messenger hin7self went to recon- 
noitre. 

ilavinu .•uvac'.inced liin^iseif as a stranger '.vho had lost 
his way, lie was politely shewn by o;,:i- hero into a large 
roonjj, where — ■ 

■ — . — .all around, the walls to grace, 
' Hung tropiy^s of the light or chace ; 
j A target there, a bugle here, 

A battle axe, a hunting spear, • 

And broad-swords, Bows and arrows store, 

With the tusked tropliies of the boar.' 

which astonished him so much, that he felt as if he had 
got into a cavern of tlie infernal regions 5 bot when the 
room door was shut and he saw hanging behind it a stufied 
figure of a man, intentionally placed there, his terror 
increased to such a degree, that he screamed out and ask-i 
ed if it was a dead man ? To which Rob Boy coolly 
answei-ed, that it was a raacal of a messenger m ho liad 
come to the house the aight before ; that he had killed him, 
«nd had not got time to have hiiT3 buried. Fear now 
wholly overcame the messenger, and he could scarcely ai'- 
ticulate a benediction for his soul, when he fainted and fell 
upon the floor. Fcur men carried him out of the house, 
and, in order to complete the joke, a,nd at the sane time to 
restore the man to life, they took hinj to the river just by, 
and tossed luai in, allowing hivn to get out the besi, way he 
could. His companions, id the mean time., seeing all tlini 
^app^ned, and supposip.-? he had been killed, took to their 
heels :. but the whole gicn being now alarmed, met the 
fugifues in evety directlouj and gave every one of thctis 



26 •_ .,. ,; fcIPE OF EOB ROY 

such a complete ducking, that they had reason all their 
lives to renieraber the lake and river of Balquhidder. 

These terrified people ran to Stirling, where the}^ repre- 
sented the usage they had received, with such exaggerated 
accounts of the assassinations and crucl-ies of the Mac- 
gregors, magiTifyiug their own wondpifiii escape, and 
prowesp in having killed sevei-ul of the clan, that the story 
being reported to the commaoder of the castle, he ordered 
a company of soldiers to march into th.e Highlands, to lay 
hold of Rob Roy, A party of Macgregors, who were re- 
turniitg w';'!"- :;iir- !>ooty which they had ccquired along 
the banks oi' i:!i'.^ v'oi'tl'., observing the military on their 
way to Callander, and suspecting hiieir htter.tion hastened 
to acquaint Rob Fioj, In a few hourSj the whole country 
was warned of thr- approaching danger, and guards were 
placed at different stations to give notice of the movements 
of the soldiers. All the men within several miles were 
prepared to repel this invasion, in case it was to lay waste 
the country, whicli had often been done before; but the 
military appearing to have no other orders than to seize 
Rob Roy, he considered it more prudent to take refuge in 
the hills, than openl}' to give them battle. ^ 

After a fruitless search for many days, tae soldiers, un- 
accustonried to the fatigue of climbing the niountainsj and 
scrambling over rocks, and through woe-!;-, took shelter at 
night in an empt}'' house, which they fLiinished vt'ith heath 
fcsrbeds; and the .Macgregors, unwilling that they should 
leave their contry without some lasting remembrance of 
them, set fire to the house, which speedih'' dislodged the 
soldiers. In the confusion, one man was Jdiled by th.^ ac- 
cidental discharge of a iTiHsk*^, many of thera xvere hurt^ 
and a number lost their fii-c-arma. The iT'ilitarv p-\ity 
being thus thrown into confusioii, broken do'7!i by riitigue, 
E^id almost famished for want of provisions, wu''d"Civ trjm 
the countiy ofthe Macgregors, happy tha^ they had ei;;Cciped 
JO v/eW. 

/f-The various disgraceful failures which Athol sustained 
in his attempts to deliver Rob Ftoy up to the government, 
and the many vexations assaults which he suffered irom 
the bold outlaw, rankled in h's bre-av" .■/'^ile the scoils 
and laughter :of his neighbours at h's . ,; . 'u-nvadoes 
drove him into a state of desperation, av;: re- 

solved to correct oui' hero in person, W. : ■'■. ; . ..; iii- 
tention. he armed himself and set forwa.-J v.. i^.-.i.'juhidd.'r. 
A large portion of thai country llien beio:,.;,; J to A.thol 
i-Q feu I and when he mTived there, he summoned the at- 



•LIFE OB' B.OB ROY. S/ 

tendance of his rassals, who very unwiliisigly accompanied 
him to Rob Roy's house, as many of them were Mac- 
gregors, but dared not refuse their laird. Rob Roy's 
roother having died in his house at this time, preparation^ 
were going forward for the funeral, which was to take 
place on the day that Athoi appeared at his door; but at 
such at -a time, he could have dispensed with such unwel- 
come, and such unlocked for guests. He suspected that 
the purpose of their visit was to lay hold of him, and 
escape seemed impossible; but with his wonted strength 
of mind and quickness of thought, he buckled on his swordj 
and went out to meet the duke. He saluted him very gra- 
ciously, and said, ' that he was much obliged to his grace 
for having come unasked to his mother's funeral, whicli was 
a piece of friendship he did not expect ;' when Athol told 
him ' he did not come for 'that purpose, but to desire his 
company to Perth.' He, however, decliaed the honour, as 
he could not leave his mother's funeral ; but after doing 
that last duty to his parent, he would go, if his lordship 
insisted upon it, Athol said, the funeral could take place 
without him, and would not delay. A long remonsti-ance 
ensued ; but the dnke was inexorable, and Rob, apparently 
complying, went awa}' amidst the cries and tears of his 
sisters and kindred. Their distress roused his soul to a 
pitch of irresistible desperation, and breaking from the 
party, several of whom he threw down, he drew his sword. 
Athol, when he saw him retreat, and his party intimida-ted 
by such resolution, drew a holster pistol and fired at him. 
Kob Roy fell al the same instanJ, not by ihe ball, wliich 
never touched him, but by slipping his foot One of his 
sisters, the lady of Glenfailach, a stout woman, seeing her 
brother fall, and believing he was killed, made a furious 
spring at Athol, seized him by the throat, and brought hhn 
from his hoi-se to the ground. In a few minutes that no- 
bleman would have been choked, as it defied the by-stand~ 
ers to unfix the lady's grasp, until Rob Roy went to his 
relief, when the duke was in the agonies of suflbcation. 

Several of our hero's friends, who observed the suspici- 
ous haste of Athol and his party towards his house, dread- 
ing some evil design, speedily armed, and running to his 
assistance, arrived just as Atiiol's eyeballs were beginning 
to revert into their sockets. Rob Roy declared, that had 
the duke been so polite as to d!cw him to wait his mother's 
burial, he would have then gone along with him; but this 
being refused, he would now remain in spite of all liis 



2$ LIFE OF KOB EOT. 

efforts ; and the lady's embrace having mucli astonished 
the duke, he was in no condition to eaforce his orders^ so 
that he and his men departed as quickij as they could. 
Bad they staid till tlie clan assembled to the obsequies of' 
the old v/pmars, it is doubtful if either the chief or his com- 
panions would have ever returned to taste his brose indi- 
genous to their country. 

The gfoveroment, in order to repress the inroads of the 
Macgregors^ planted a gsirrison in their country, at Jnvers- 
naid. This nieasure was adopted at the instigation of 
Montrose, who, in conjunction with Athol and other pow- 
erful chieftains, endeavoured to annihilate the power and 
authority of Rob Roy. But these coercive measures were 
not calculated to intimidate such a man, who, having been 
driven to desperation, held those laws ir\ contempt from 
whose benefit he was excluded. Though he despised the 
soldiers of this new fortress, yet he determined to intimi- 
date them, and, if possible, to compel them to abandon a 
position which certainly was so^ie check upon his opera* 
tions. He had previously arranged his plan, and secured 
the connivance of a woman of his own clan who served in 
the fort. Having supplied her with a quantity of High- 
land whiskey, of which the English soldiery were very 
fond, she contrived, on an appointed night, to intoxicate 
the sentinel ; and while lie lay overcome by the potent 
^ose, she opened the gate, when Rob Roy and his men, 
who were on the watch, rushed in loaded with combusti- 
bles, and set the garrison on fire in different places, so that 
it was v/ith difficulty the inmates escaped with their lives. 
Though Rob Roy was suspected as the incendiary, there 
was no immediate proof, and the damage was quietly 
repaired. 

hi spite of all the efforts of his enemies, Rob Roy con- 
tinued to levy his tribute of black mail. Those who re- 
fused what he conceived to be his right, were sometimes 
treated with severity ; but many sent the tax as a volun- 
tary pn'esent. Of this last description was an annual pay- 
ment made to him, for many years, by Campbell of Abru- 
chil ; but this proprietor having at length omitted to pay 
him, he vt/ent to his castle with an armed party, to demand 
the arrv;ars. Leaving his men at some distance, he 
knocked at the gate, and desired a conversation with the 
laird ; but he was told that several great men were at din- 
ner mth him, aud that no stvanger could be admitted. 
'Then tell him,' said he, that Rob Roy Macgregor is at 
\fee door, and must see him, if the king should be dining 



LIFS OF R.OB ROT. 29 

with him,' The porter returned, and told him that his 
master said he knew nothing of such a fellow, and desired 
him to depart. Rob Roy immediately applied to his 
mouth a large honi that hung by his side, from which there 
issued a sound that appalled the castle guard, rung through 
every corner- of tlie building, and so astonished Abruchil 
and his guests, that they quick!}'' left the dining-tabie. In 
an instant Rob Roy's men were at his side, whom he 
ordered to drive away all the cattle they found mi the land : 
but the laird came hastily to the gate, apologised for the 
rudeness of the porter to his good friend, took him into the 
castle, paid him his demand, and they parted apparently 
good friends. 

About this time, a party of Macras again made their 
appearance in our hero's neighbourhood, and stole from 
the lands of Stirling of Craigbarnet two hundred sheep. 
As tke laird 'who was robbed, paid Rob Roy black mailj 
he pursued the banditti, whom he traced to the hills of 
Kintail in Rosshire, from whence the spoil was brought 
back to Craigbarnat with the loss of only one sheep. 

The owner of Garden castle having withheld Rob Roy's 
tribute, he went to claim his right; and finding the gentle- 
man from home, he took possession of the fortress ; and 
when the ovi'ner returned, be was refused admittance^ until 
he would pay the reward of protection, which he imperi- 
ously refused : but Rob Roy having ascended the turrets 
with ? 'I ' ■ n the nursery, threatened to throw it over 
thev... ':; speedily brought the laird, at the inter- 

cession oa his lady, to an agreement, when our hero re- 
sitored the kej's of the castle, and took his leave. 

Another anecdote is related, which shews the terror 
inspired by the very name of Rob Roy. In passing the 
place of Achtertyre. near Stirling, he observed a young 
horse grazing in a park, with points that much pleased 
him, for he was a perfect jockey, and he went to the house 
to inquire if the animal was for sale. The proprietor was 
not within, but Margregor was recognised by the servant, 
and ushered into the parlour where the landlady was sit- 
ting. He politely told her that he wished to purchase the 
poney he saw in the park, if the price coukl be agreed on ; 
but she appeared oiftended, and said that ' the horse would 
?jot be sold, having been broke for her use. Her husband 
having come in, sent for her to another room, and asked 
her ' if she knew the stranger, and what he wanted ?' 
W^nts !' said she, ' he wants to buy ray poney, the impu- 
dent fellow !' ' My good lady,' replied her husband. * if 



•30 £.IFF or ROB ROY. 

he sliould want yourself, he must not be refused, for he is 
Rob Roy.' The landlord immediately went to him, and 
agreed upon the price of the horsej which was instantly 
paid. 

The lfn)ds,of Brackley in Glenurchy being deserted by 
the possessor, a head of the clan Gregor, Rob .Roy re- 
moved hither ; but some time afterwards, he took a njoun- 
lain fsu-iB belonging to the fansiiy of Argyle, When Mon- 
trose heard that he li'^ed under Argyle's protection, he 
accused that nobleman, in tiie presence of the priv}'- coun- 
cil, of harbouring an outlaw, who ought to be, given up to 
the offended laws. Argyle did not deny the charge, and ex 
cused himself by saying, 'My lord, I only supply Rob 
Roy with wood and water, the common privileges of the 
deer; but you supply him with beef and rneal ; and withai 
he is your factor, for he not long since took up your 
fcnts at Chapellaroch.' These facts could not be denied 5 
arjd it is believed, tiiat after this period Montrose relin- 
qi'ished all opposition to Rob Roy, who also became less 
severe in his retaliation on the estate and eflects of that 
Bobleman : indeed, he often declared, that had Montrose 
treated hun with discretion and lenity, he never ^vould 
have disturbed him ; but as matters had turned out, and 
\vere so prejadicial to his family, though he ceased to an- 
no;/, he could not forgive the injuries he had sustained. 

Rob Roy cojitinued in this retreat upon the mountains 
for several years, accompanied bjr his faithful adherents, 
who continued to pay frequent visits to the lands of Mon- 
trose and Atho!. But although this residence was secure, 
it did not embrace many other important advagtages. 
However, at length one of his powerful friends obtained a 
remission of the outiawrj/' tlmt h.ad been i)j-aclaiir,ed against 
him ; and consequently he rejttiqui-iied his possessions in 
Argyle, and returned to Balquuidder, the soil of Itis nati- 
vity ; but he continued occasionally to revisit that couniry, 
as he had many friends and several relations there, who 
shewed hirn all manner of kindness and attention. 

About the year I7t3, while Rob Roy was at the house 
of a powerful chieftain of the country of Argyle, nearly- 
related to himself, he was introduced to two French gentle- 
men who had arrived on the west coast, as emissaries 
from the house of Stewart ; and being well acquainted 
with the state of the Highland districts, and those among 
them who were favourable to that family, he was requested 
to accompany them among the northern clans, that mea- 
mre-s might be concerted for ihe restoration of the Stewarts. 



1,JV¥, OF ROB ROY. ^1 

Considering that family as his legitimate sovereigns, he 
did not hesitate to conduct their friends to Lochaber, and 
provide them with guides to escort them through the most 
unfrequented and devious patiis to tiie Isle of Skje^ where 
they had dispatches for the chiefs of Macdonald and Ma- 
cleod. Rob Roy's ititercoitrse, however, with these for- 
eigners v^'as made knov»~n to the officers of state at Edin- 
burgh; and he was summoned to appear before them. He 
accordingly went there, and waited npon the commander 
in chief for Scotland, v/ho acquainted him of the accusation 
brought against him ; but he denied that he was guilty of 
any breach of loyalt3^ to his king, and defied his lordship 
to produce evidence to that efiect. The examination of 
our hero was postponed till f.he following day, and this of- 
ficer took his word of honour that he would attend at the 
appointed hour. 

Mean time Rob Roy understood that Macdonald of Dal- 
ness was the es'idence to be adduced against him. This 
Dalnes was a hireling of governm.entj employed to give in- 
formation of disaffected persons in the liighiauds ; but 
Macgregor devised a stratagem to get rid of him, being 
unwilliug so soon again to come under the cognizance of the 
law. 

One of the officers of the town guard, being a particular 
friend of Rob Roy's, he immediately waited upon him, and 
after the usual salutation, he asked the ofiiicer if he would 
give him a serjeant and twelve men for a couple of hours 
that evening ; at the same time assuring liira that he would 
not employ them in any act of violence ; as he merely wish- 
ed to fi'ighten a man who had done him an injury. His 
friend the officer, knowing how rigidly he adhered to his 
Vk'ord, agreed to let him have the soldiers. 

Having secured the aid of the town-guardsmen, he went 
by himself to Dalness' lodgings in the evening, to avoid 
discovery, and having seen the landlady, said to her, in the 
dialect of her ' guid town,' — ■' Guidwife, am a Highlan- 
man, a near frin' o' your lodger's an gif he's no i' the house, 
ye maun tell him whan he comes hame, to tak' tent an' 
keep oiU o' the gate, for the toun guard's statcherin' about 
seeken for him, to wind him a pirn, an' transport him on 
the sea, or maybe to hang him. The mislear'd chiels will 
hae nae mercy on him, gin ha begrippet. Now mind, an' 
dinna forget to tell hirn o' his danger.' The woman was 
amazed, and trembled at the idea ' o' sodgers rypen her 
house/ and saidj But wha'U I say was spt^grin' for the 



82 L,IPE Ot KOB :ftO¥, 

aird P ^ Just tell him replied Rob Roy. •' it was a High- 
Ian cousin o'hisain, a black-a-vic'd man, aa' lie'll ken by 
that J and took his leave. At the time mentioned, the 
guard appeared at his lodgings, and Dalness, conscious in 
all likelihood that his conduct was not correct towards the 
government he seemed to serve, instantly escaped by a 
back door, and ma:de the best of his way to the wilds of h;s 
own property ; and our hero, satisfied that Palness had ta- 
ken flight, disa)issed the soldiers as he had promised. 

On the following d.u', he was punctual to his appoint- 
ment with the commander in chief. The witness Dalness 
v/as not to be found, and no oiher evidence being produced, 
Macgregor boldly demanded his passport, which being 
granted, betook his departure, not, however, v/ithout throw- 
ing out some reflections ou the credulity of government, for 
the unnecessary trouble given to honest men like him, 
while the informers were themselves more guilty. Dal- 
ness, however, was the sufferer, for he was disgraced, and 
his allowance from government withdrawn, while Rob Roy 
returned home in triumph, exulting iii the success of his 
scheme. 

When the clans begaii to arm ia favour of the Louse ot 
Stewart in 1715, Rob Roy, in conjunction with his nephew, 
Gregor Macgregor of Giengyie, also prepared the clan Gre- 
gor for the contest. He marched at the head of these bold 
Kiountaiaeers into Monteith and Lennox, and disarmed all 
the adherents of the Hanoverian faoiily. He next secured 
all the boats on Loch Lomond, and took possession of an 
island in it, from v/hence they sent parties to levy contri- 
butions in the neighbouring counties j 'and so terrified werp 
the inhabitants of Dumbarton of receiving a visit fron 
Kob Ro3^, that they removed their most valuable effects . 

The friends of government, in order to allay the exist 
iog ferment^ and to overawe the ehiidreu of the misty Bee 
Lomond, determined to act on the ofiiensive. (Several arm- 
ed boats, from the men of war in the Clyde, mode their 
way into Loch Lomond: and considerable numbers of 
militia, lairds, and their tenants, assembled and united in a 
mass. This multitude secured the boats belonging to the 
Macgregors, who being dislodged from the islands of the 
lake, joined a camp of Highlanders from Strathfillan ; but 
not till after many struggles with the king's troops, difi'er- 
ent detachments af which they defeated. 

The progress of the earl of Mar, with his army of dis- 
aftected Highlanders, greatly alarmed the government, and 
jmniediate orders were traasraitted to Edinbu.rghj to se-i 



Life of rob iiOY. 33 

cure such suspected persons as were thought inimical to 
the king, and among odiers, Rob Roy Macgregor was spe- 
cially named. He, however, conducted himself with some 
caution on this. occasic:i, and waited to observe the com- 
plexion of matters before he should proceed farther, as his 
friend Argyle had espoused the part of king George, a cir- 
cumstance which greatly distressed liirn. In a state of 
considerable indecision/ he proceeded to the Lowlands, 
and hovered about both armies prior to the battle of Sher- 
iff-muir, without making any declaration or offer to join 
either ; aud during that event he remained entirely inac- 
tive. This unexpected conduct arose from two motives 
equally powerful, — a wish not to offend Ids patron, the 
duke of Argyle, should he jdia the earl of Mar, — and that 
he aiight not act contrary to his conscience, by ioining 
Argyle against his expatriated king. It is allowed by sev- 
eral authors, that had he joined either party in this contest^ 
it would have terminated decisively. 

Though the undecided issue of this trial eventually 
brought about the dispersion of the Highland army, the 
Macgregors continued together ; but unv/illing to return 
home without 'some substantial display ^of conquest, they 
marched to Falkland, and garrisoned the ancient palace j 
■where, without mucii ceremony, they axacted rigorous fines 
from the king's friends. Rob Roy considered this a veni- 
al offence, by no means so odious p.s if he had fought either 
against Argyle or M;;j' ; and dt th-^t place he and his men 
remained till A;-; ■ ;■' rr^ved at rerth, when >;hey retired, ta 
their own counti ■. /,;['! iJ.^^ spoils thty had acquired ; but 
they coniinued in arnis for several years thereafter, in the 
pursuit of their usual compulsory habits, to the no small 
disturbance of their neighbours. 

Those daring practices seem to have been the reasoH 
why, in the subsequent indemnity, or free pardon, the Mac- 
gregors were excluded from raeicy in these words : — ' Ex- 
cepting all persons of the name and clan of IMacgregor, men- 
tioned in an act uf parliament, made /n Scotland in the first 
of the late king Charles I. intituted, anent the clan Mac- 
gregor. whatever name he or they may have, or (kt assume, 
or commonly pass o.nder ; and conseqently our hero's 
name appeared attained, as ' Robert Campbell, alias 
Magregor, conimonii/ called Robert Roy.' 

In consequence of the severe edicts of government, Rob 
Roy was now compelled to live in obscurity 5n a mean and 
solitary cottage, half hid with copse-wood, and situated 
tinder the brow of a rugged arcd barreii mountain, .Here, 



<^4 LIFE OB' ROB KOY. 

however; he was not permitted to live in pearo ; \ov sitting 
early one morning by the side of tlie palii v, lurii loimeti 
the chief road of the districtj an ofiicer with thirty men sud- 
denly appeared, making towards hini. He was surprised 
at seeing military in such a place, and though he suspected 
their errandj he did not consider it safe to attearpt his es- 
cape. He therefore remained where he was till tiiey came 
up to him, when the ofiicer saluted himj with ' Good 
moraing.' Good morning to you, sir, you are early on 
the road/ replied Rob Roy. ' Yes, we aie,' said the officer, 
' we have marched all night, and are fatigued in this un- 
hallowed couatry of yours.' ^ The country is indeed 
rough for gentlemen to travel in by night,' replied our hero, 
^ your business must be pressing.' 

From the tenour of their conversation the ofacer found 
he was sagacious and intelligent ; and having asked him 
several questions, said, '-Pray can you inform me Vvhere 
a noted brigand, a fellow called Rob Roy Macgregor, or 
Campbell, is to be found hereabouts ? I would give fifty 
guineas to lay hold of him.' " I knov/ him well,' returned 
Rob Roy, ' and for the reward you ofl'er, I shall produce 
him to you. But he mast be inveigled by stratagem; and 
if you follow my directions, 1 shall give you him by the 
hand in a short time, without firing a shot. "' But how is 
that to be accomplished ?' said the officer. '■ Only io one 
way,' replied our hero, ' 3'ou passed a small public house 
not far distant ; return to it, and wait for me. .1 shall go 
to the fellow's housCj and tell him such a story as will faring 
him alone to the inn. But great caution must be -used; for 
be is one of the most fierce and cunning men in the world, 
whom, inhis rage, I would not face with all your men by 
my side.' ' 

Tiie soldiers listened, and sf^emed happy when they 
were ordered to wheel about for the inn, where they 
soon arrivedj while Rob Roy proceeded to his own 
house. 

He directed his men to assemble all the people within 
reach, and place theni on the side of the hill in battle array ; 
and having buckled on his dirk, which he concealed un- 
der his plaid, he walked on to fulfil his engagement. He 
now told the officer that he had seen Rob Roy, who prom- 
ised to be with him immediately ; but that it v/ould be ne- 
cessary to conceal his, soldiers and their firelocks; for if 
Rob Roy shou'ld see any of themj he would not come near 
the house. The muskets were accordingly deposited in a 
press bedj while the men j'Qx't. put 5a an out-house. 



LIPfi OF ROB £0Y. S§ 

Our hero endeavoured to amuse the officer by his con- 
■^ersatioa ; but the moment he observed his men at their 
station, he said to him, ' Now, sir, give me the sum you 
promised.' * I cannot do that til), you make good your 
promise,' rejoined the officer. ^ It will then be too late,' 
was the reply, ' for Rob 'Hoy will see that he is betrayed, 
and I would never after be able to hold up ni}' head in tii@ 
country; the people would set fire to my house, and take 
aw^ay my cattle : but if I do not, as I said, give you Rob 
Roy by the hand, you and your rtien are surely able 
enough to take it from me.' The ofllcer acquiesced in the 
justice of his remarks, and paid down the money which 
having counted and put into his pocket, he shook hands 
with tise officer, saying, ' Now, sir, 1 keep iv.y word ; you 
have Rob Roy by the hand, detain him if you can ;' and 
bidding him good day, was instantly out of the house. 
The officer was so much astonished, that he stood motion- 
less for some time, so that before he got out to order his 
men to arms, Rob Roy was far beyond their reach. 

The numerous exploits of Rob Roy had rendered him 
so remarkr.ble, that his name became familiar every where 5 
and he was frequently the subject of conversation among 
the nobility at court. He Was there spoken of as the ac- 
knowledged protegee of Argyie, who often endeavoured to 
palliate his errors ; but that nobleman was frequently ral- 
lied, particularly by the king, for his partiality to Mac- 
gregor. On several occasions his majesty had expressed 
a desire to see the hardy mountaineer : and Argyie, willing 
to gratify him, sent for Rob Roy, but concealed his being 
in London, lest the officers of state, aware of the king's 
hatred, might take measures to detain him. Argyie, how- 
ever, took care that the king should see him without know- 
ng who he was, and for this purpose made Rob Roy walk 
for some time in front of St. James'. His majesty observed 
and remarked that he had never seen a finer looking man 
in a Highland dress, and Argyie having soon after waited 
upon the king, his majesty told him of his having noticed 
a handsome Scots Higlilander, when Argyie replied that it 
was Rob Roy Macgregor. His majesty said he was dis- 
appointed that he did not know it sooner, and appeared 
not to relish the information, considering it as too serious a 
jest to be plaj^ed upon his authority, and which seemed to 
make him, among others, a dupe to our hero's impudence. 

At this time, through Argyle's management, a meeting 

took place between Rob Roy and Montrose. It was a 

'''qrular oncj for they had not seen each other for years j 



$6 LIFE OP ROJB K04'. 

but mutual promises of forbearance were exchange!, and 
Rob Roy having get an account of the iTioney he owed 
Montrose, also received an assurance that he should have 
possession of his estate, as sooif asthe sum for which it had 
been adjudged was repaid : but this arrangement never 
took place. 

In rjeturning from London, the robust and manly forrn 
of our hero attracted the notice of a recruiting party at 
Carlisle, and, notwithstanding his advanced age, they 
wished to enlist him. Here he received a high bounty 5 
but in a few days he continued his journey, nor did the 
military venture to'oppose him. 

While in England^ Lennox, the proprietor of Wood- 
head, in the Vicinity of Campsie, having refused to pay his 
dues of black mail, Rob Roy's wife equipped herself, went 
on horseback attended by twelve men, and so intimidated 
the gentleman, that he paid the stipulated sum, saying, 
that he could not refuse a lady. 

As Rob Roy was passing through Logierait, the minister 
was preaching m the church-yard. He stopped to hear 
hiy discourse, when the preacher threw out many severe 
hints, evidently intended for our hero. When the sermon 
was over, he therefore addressed the- minister, saying he 
would be glad if he could point out any instance of his 
fraud or roguery. ' For observe, reverend sir,' continued 
he, ' that if you cant-ot do this, and have abused me before 
your parishioners, and me innocent, I shall make you re- 
cant your words in your own pulpit.' ^ Macgregor,' said 
the minister, ' I will own that I alluded to you. Did you 
not buy a cow from a widow in this parish, at little more 
than half its value ? She is a poor woman, and cannot af- 
ford this.' ' 1 was ignorant of her being so poor,' answered 
Rob Roy : ^ she appeared glad to get the price.' ' True,' 
replied the minister, ' for her family are starving.' ^ If 
that be the case,' returned our hero, " she is welcome to 
keep the money I paid, and she shall also get back her 
cow,' which was acfuailj'- done next day. 

A Mr. Ferguson, who was appointed minister of Bal- 
quhidder, having applied for an increase of salary, which 
the lairds generally ft:ied upon the tenantry, Rob Roy 
forced him into a public house, and after treating him with 
widskey, compelled him to sign a paper renouncing every 
future claim of augmentation; but he gave, at the same 
time, his own obligation, binding himself to send the 
minister, ever}' year, lialf a score of fat sheep and a fat 
eowj wliich during -his life was regularly done. 



LIFE OF ROB ROY, S7 

At length, for what reasons we know not, Rob Roy 
took the resoUition of becoming a Roman catholic. Jle 
Rccordirigly confessed to an old priest of that laith, who 
resided at Drumniond castle ; and from the account which 
he gave of his interview with this ecclesiastic, ' that the 
old man frequently groaned, crossed himself, and exacted 
a heavy remuneratioii/ his crimes must have been of a 
sable dye, and of a difiicult expiation. ' It was a con- 
venient religion, liowever, he used to say, which for a little 
money could put asleep the conscience, and clear the soul 
from sin,' 

In the year 1719, Rob R03' went upon a desperate foray 
into the northern Highlands, when it was said he plunder- 
ed a Spaviis''! ship after it had been taken by the English. 
About tlii.'viii'.:e, /Viticiieil of Earj-a, who was an excellent 
swordsman, tljalleriged him to a trial of skill ; but this 
gallant gciV.iemau bad reason to repent his temerity, hav- 
ing had his sword arm nearly cut off. Eut our hero's vi- 
gour began now to decline, and his sight was greatly im- 
. paired ; so that ia another combat with Stewait of Ards- 
heal, he was worsted, when he threw down his sv/ord, and 
vowed he would never take it up again. 

When nearly exhausted and worn out by the laborious 
vicissitudes of a restless life, and confined to bed in a state 
of approaching dissolution, a person, with whom in former 
times he had had a disagreement,' called upon him, and 
wished to see him. ' Raise me up/ said he to his atten- 
dants ; ^ dress me in my best clothes ; tie on my arras ; 
place me in the great arm-chair. That fellow shall never 
see me on a death-bed,' With this they complied, and he 
received his visitor with cold civility. When the stranger 
had taken his leave, Rob Roy exclaimed, ' It is all over 
now; put me to bed. Call in the piper. Let him play, 
" Cha teill mi fuille,'^-(l will never return,) as long as l 
breathe.'' He was faithfully obeyed, anr! calmly met his 
death, which took place at the farm of Inverlochiarigbeg, 
among the braes of Balquhidder, in 1735. His relics re- 
pose in the church-yard of that parish, with no other mark 
on his grave than a simple stone, on which some kmdred 
spirit had carved a sword— the appropriate emblem cf 
of the man : — ■ 

' Clan-Alpine's omen and her aid.' 

Rob Ro}'- was a generous Highlander; and his fi-ee 
booting practices he considered as no more than a justifi- 
able retaliation for ^ihe injuries that he and his clao had 



?S I'lFE OF ROB ROY 

oM-'MOo. rl'-' never h''r.ke hi:; proiv.'if', n%r turned Ins 
..:', 'ir.on a iVseiid o/oO eni-iin'o K!e was sent-rous id tre 
xor; he never c'pprepsed ilie weak; nor did he ever 
new with Indiffereuce the oppression of the great. 



OF THE LIFE OF S.OB ROl?. 












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